Through consistent hard work and dedication to their sport, Mountain Raiders BMX Club has earned the right to host one of the year’s biggest national riding competitions.
The club is one of east Auckland sport’s great success stories over the past decade, which has included a move away from their long-time home of Pigeon Mountain, to building in conjunction with Auckland Council a top-class challenging track.
It’s a fine club and community facility, which is looked after by voluntary members, and when the Times visits the track last Sunday at Lloyd Elsmore Park, a clear example of the pride they have in the facility is pro groundsman Chris “Radar” Biddick is doing what he does, mowing the grass and tidying up the park before thousands attend this Labour Weekend’s BMXNZ North Island Titles.
Mountain Raiders’ president Greg Buckley says the club being awarded the right to host the North Island Titles event is “acknowledgement, a stamp of approval, for what’s been going on here week-in, week-out”.
Buckley says scaffolding grandstands are being put up at the BMX park to accommodate the competitors, their support crews and families, and spectators, because he estimates up to 3000 people will be in attendance.
He says the track, because it’s a club and community facility, is a versatile all-rounder, and can be ridden by accomplished competitors through to beginners.
Buckley says the meet is drawing hundreds of BMX riders from across New Zealand, and further afield from Australia and Tahiti.
One of the big contests at the BMXNZ North Island Titles is the Mighty 11s, a long-standing international event for 11-year-old riders from New Zealand and Australia.
BMXNZ describes the Mighty 11s as “one of the most iconic events in BMX”.
“It brings together the best riders from both sides of the Tasman for a historic team test match.
“The tradition dates back to the 1980s and remains one of the most prestigious milestones for young riders,” says BMXNZ.
The Mountain Raiders’ riders in the 10-member New Zealand squad for this weekend are: Olivia Anderson and Delan Johns, who both attend Sunnyhills School; and Ruby Buckley of Bucklands Beach Intermediate.
When the Times caught up with the trio at Lloyd Elsmore Park on October 19, they were involved in Mighty 11s team training and said they’re proud to represent New Zealand and excited for the racing ahead.
The Mighty11s is staged twice yearly, with the Australian team’s arrival marking “the second leg of the 2025 test, this time on New Zealand soil,” says BMXNZ.
“This weekend’s event will also see the best riders from the North and South Islands, along with riders travelling from Australia, to take away the NI ranking plates for each of the age groups on offer, from the eight-year-olds through to 60-years-plus seniors.
“Along with the Titles, the event is a round of the 2025 BMXNZ National Series and it’s a National Qualifying Meeting (NQM) for the 2026 National Championships.”
Greg Buckley adds the club is pleased it will be able to use the new rider starter gates it’s installed recently, costing $70,000, which is a big undertaking for the club, with the support of members and local businesses.
